Tennis is one of those sports that’s easy to pick up but takes a lifetime to master. It’s fast, it’s fun, and yes—it can get competitive. But before you start diving into matches or eyeing your first tournament, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the essentials down.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything from how the game works to what gear you need. We’ll also walk through key techniques, scoring, and what really makes tennis such an engaging sport to play.

Whether you’re stepping on the court for the first time or just trying to get a feel for the basics, this article will help you feel prepared, confident, and excited to play.

Tennis as a Game: What’s It All About?

Tennis isn’t just about hitting a ball back and forth. It’s a game of timing, footwork, mental focus, and consistency. The goal is simple: outplay your opponent by sending the ball into their side of the court in a way they can’t return it.

Matches can be singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two players per team). The court is divided by a net and bordered by lines that define whether a shot is in or out. While the format seems straightforward, the strategy and technique involved can be incredibly deep.

That said, the first step is to get comfortable with how a tennis match flows.

Tennis Rules: The Essentials

The rules in tennis may feel a little strange at first, especially the scoring, but they’re actually pretty logical once you get the hang of them.

Every point starts with a serve. The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box. If the ball lands outside that box or hits the net and doesn’t go over, it’s a fault. Two faults in a row? That’s a double fault—and the point goes to the opponent.

Once the ball is in play, the rally begins. Players hit the ball back and forth, letting it bounce once (or not at all) before returning it. If the ball bounces twice or is hit out of bounds, the rally ends and the point goes to the other player.

It’s a game of quick decisions and even quicker movement.

Understanding the Tennis Scoring System

Here’s where things can feel a bit weird if you’re used to sports like basketball or soccer. Tennis doesn’t count points in a linear 1-2-3 way. Instead, it goes like this: 0 (called “love”), 15, 30, 40, and then game.

If both players reach 40, that’s called “deuce.” To win from deuce, one player has to win two points in a row: first the “advantage” point, then the game point. If they lose the advantage, it goes back to deuce.

Six games make a set, but a player has to win by at least two games. So you might win a set 6–4 or 7–5. If it’s 6–6, there’s usually a tiebreaker. Most casual matches are best-of-three sets.

While the system seems odd at first, it adds drama and pacing to the game. Momentum can shift quickly, and matches are rarely predictable.

Tennis Equipment: What You Really Need

You don’t need the latest high-tech gear to get started. In fact, keeping it simple often works best when you’re new.

• Racket: Your racket should feel comfortable in your hand. Go for a lighter model with a larger head if you’re just beginning. It gives you more surface area to hit the ball and helps you make cleaner contact.
• Tennis Balls: Beginners often benefit from using slightly softer or lower-compression balls. They move slower, bounce a bit lower, and give you more control as you learn.
• Shoes: This part matters more than most people think. Tennis shoes are made for lateral movement, quick starts, and sudden stops. Running shoes won’t give you the same kind of support and can actually lead to injuries over time.
• Clothing: You don’t need fancy gear. Just wear something breathable, flexible, and fitted enough to move with you. Moisture-wicking fabrics can help on hot days.

You’re not playing for style points—comfort and movement should come first.

Tennis Techniques: Building a Solid Foundation

Great tennis starts with technique. While you don’t need to perfect every move on day one, learning the right mechanics early will make everything smoother down the line.

1. Grip

There are different ways to grip the racket, and each affects your shot. The Eastern grip is a great starting point for forehands because it gives you balance between power and spin. For serves and volleys, you’ll want to experiment with the Continental grip. It allows for more control and fluid movement at the net.

2. Stance and Footwork

Your stance affects your ability to move and hit with power. You’ll typically shift between an open stance (facing the net) and a closed stance (side-on). More importantly, always stay on your toes. Tennis is all about anticipation and quick reactions.

3. Forehand and Backhand

The forehand is your bread-and-butter shot. Swing across your body, keep your eye on the ball, and follow through. The backhand, whether one-handed or two, should feel balanced and controlled. Keep your arm relaxed and your wrist firm.

4. Serve

Serving is one of the most complex yet satisfying parts of tennis. It starts with a good toss. The motion should be fluid, not jerky. With time, you’ll learn how to serve with spin, speed, and precision. For now, aim for consistency.

5. Volley and Smash

At the net, you’ll need quick reflexes. Volleys are shots taken before the ball bounces. They don’t need much power—just control. Overhead smashes are used to return high balls and are like serving mid-rally. Step into them and strike with confidence.

How to Practice and Actually Improve

Practice doesn’t mean grinding away at the same shot over and over. It’s about building habits, trying new techniques, and learning from mistakes.

Start with warm-ups: short rallies, mini-tennis close to the net, and some footwork drills. Focus on one technique per session—maybe forehands one day, serves the next.

Film yourself if possible. Watching your movement helps correct form and identify weak points.

Playing matches—especially casual ones—is also vital. You get real-time feedback and start to feel the rhythm of scoring and rallying.

And yes, even pros mess up. The key is repetition and patience.

Tennis Mindset: The Psychology of Play

Tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. You’ll have bad days. You’ll miss easy shots. Sometimes, frustration creeps in. It happens.

Learning to stay calm, focused, and resilient is a huge part of becoming a better player. Don’t obsess over every mistake. Instead, treat each point as a fresh start. That’s how the best players bounce back so quickly.

Set small, realistic goals. Maybe it’s hitting five serves in a row, keeping a rally going for ten shots, or simply showing up on days when you don’t feel like it. Those little wins add up.

Wrapping It Up: Your First Step onto the Court

Getting started with tennis doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means being curious, willing to practice, and open to improvement. The beauty of tennis is in the progress. Every match, every swing, every misstep teaches you something new.

So get out there. Test your grip. Swing your racket. Miss a few shots—and then land the next one perfectly. Because at the heart of it, tennis isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up and playing the game.